The Maniktala market, which adjoins a containment zone and is one of the busiest shopping hubs in the city, was closed on Sunday for at least a week in an attempt to slow down the spread of Covid-19 in the area.

Senior police officers at Lalbazar said the market would remain closed for at least a week, till the situation in the adjoining containment zone is reviewed and found to be stable enough for it to reopen.

Officers of Burtolla and Amherst Street police stations have been carrying out awareness drives in the area, urging people to wear masks, maintain physical distancing and not step out without a pressing reason.

The market occupies areas looked after by both police stations.

Over the past few days, the police were ensuring that shoppers cleaned their hands with a sanitiser before entering the market and maintained social distancing inside.

Dozens of people were prosecuted every day outside the market for not wearing a mask and for violation of other Covid norms.

“We have been using loudhailers to emphasise the need for wearing masks and maintaining distance among themselves while shopping. But unfortunately many people are repeat offenders. We have been prosecuting them on a daily basis,” said an officer of Burtolla police station.

“Given the Maniktala market’s proximity to a containment zone, where multiple Covid-19 cases have been reported, the administration decided to close the market for the time being.”

Thousands of people, mostly from across north Calcutta, crowd the market every day.

“All vegetable shops, fish shops, flower shops will be closed. Only a few shops selling essential items will be allowed to remain open,” another officer said.

The Calcutta Municipal Corporation has arranged for supply of essentials through mobile “Sufal Bangla” stalls, from where citizens can make their purchases.

Officers also said that if needed, they would deliver essential items at the doorstep.

Market officials said the shopping address would be sanitised during the period it would remain closed.

The Bikramgarh market, close to South City, was closed on Sunday for sanitisation. It is expected to reopen on Monday and close down again after three days to keep a check on gatherings, officials said.

During the lockdown, several markets — including the ones in Bagmari, Gariahat and Behala — were relocated to larger spaces or scattered across stretches on main roads to enforce physical distancing norms.